The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that Sean Lorenz, the captain of Notre Dame last season, has been assigned to the team. In addition, the Solar Bears have agreed to terms with forward Ryan Ginand and have added forward C.J. Severyn on a PTO (Professional Tryout) contract and defenseman Chris Haltigin on an ATO (Amateur Tryout) contract. Houston also assigned forwards Josh Caron, Rob Mignardi, and Nick Petersen, and defensemen Corbin Baldwin, and Kyle Medvec. The Solar Bears have released forwards Gary Klapkowski and Mathieu Melanson.

Medvec, a 2007 draft pick, spent last season with the Aeros while Lorenz, Minnesota's fourth rounder in 2008, was there for the playoffs after finishing his college career at Notre Dame. Both played in yesterday's 7-2 exhibition loss to Texas yesterday (which given the score may have played a role in being reassigned). The same goes for Baldwin, who signed an AHL deal after participating in the Wild's prospect development camp.

Regardless, it is a chance for AHL players to get more time; something that didn't exist last year when the Wild were without an ECHL affiliate